Mail distributor



G. M. KITZMILLER.

MAIL DISTRIBUTOR. APPLIcAnoN FILED JULY 12,1921.

Patented Aug. 8, 1922.

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INyENToR fhroRmaY G. IVI. KITZMILLER.l

MAIL DISTRIBUTOR. APPLICATION FILED IuLv I2, 1921.

Patented Aug. 8, 1922.

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(. II/I. KITZIVIILLER.

MAIL DISTRIBUTOR. APPLlcATloN HLED JULY 12,1921.

Patented Aug. 8, 1922.

II SHEETS-SHEET 3.

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G. IVI. KITZMILLER.

IvIAIL DISTRIBUTOR.

GllV. KITZMILLER.

MAIL DISTRIBUTOR.

APPucATxoN man JULY 12,1921.

Patented Aug. 8, 1922.V

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F'I G Le IS K LEG Kus Las E7 Tro RN EY G. M. KITZMILLER.

MAIL nisrmo. APPLlCAYlON HLEU JULY 12.1921.'

ATTORNEY G. M. KITZMILLER.

MAIL DISTRIBUTOR. APPLICATION HLEDlULY1211921.

1,425,387, Patented Aug. 8, 1922..

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NVENTOR ATTORNEY G. IVI. KITZIVIILLER.

MAIL DISTRIBUTOR. APPLlcAloN FILED' JuLY12,1921.

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TTQRNEY .Patented A Patented Aug. s, 1922..

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nu O T. N E V N v l l l .l u l G. M. KITZM'ILLER. MAIL DISTRIBUTOR.

APPLICATION map 1uLY12,192|.

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G. IVI. KITZMILLER.

MAIL DISTRIBUTOR.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 12,1921.

Patented Aug. 8, 1922v www INvENroR /w M fITTonNEY G. M. KITZMILLER.

MAIL DISTRIBUTOR.

APPLICAHON HLED 1ULY12.1921.

Patented Aug. 8, 1922.

Il SHEETS-SHEET ll.

FIGQ 15 n INYENTQ'R ATTORNEY.

GEORGE M. KITZMILLER, OF NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO LOUIS LARSN, OF NORFGLK, VIRGINIA. i

MAIL DISTRIBUTOR.

Application led July 12, 192i..

To @ZZ 107mm t may concern:

Be it known that l, Gnoncn M. Krrz- MILLER, a citizen of the United States, residing in the city of Norfolk, in the county of Norfolk and State of Virginia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements' in Mail Distributors, of which the following is a specification.

My invention consists in a new and useful improvement in mail distributors and is designed to provide a device for the distribution of mail whose operation is entirely mechanical, obviating the use of electricity or compressed air for sorting the letters. My device is intended for use wherever large quantities of mail are handled, such as in post otlices, postal cars and large public or private establishments handling mail in considerable quantities.

It is intended to replace the present method of sorting mail by hand and affords a means for separating unassorted mail matter into the desired boxes, bags or receptacles with considerably greater speed than is possible by hand sorting.

In my device the unassorted mail is placed in a single receptacle, and each letter is fed separately to a view point where the operator may read the address and, by pressing a key, cause the letter to be fed into its appropriate box.

@ne of the particularly valuable features of my device is the control of all the oper- :itive parts entirely by means of the keys conveniently placed upon the key board irnmediately before the operator, and the fact that each letter is caused to travel in an upright, position. sliding on itsbottom edge, on a continuous track, from the unassorted mail receptacle toits appropriate sorting box.

My device can be constructed to provide any desired number of sorting boxes as the occasion may require, as the principle of the invention is capable of being embodied in a variety of forms and, while l have illustratcd in the drawings filed herewith details of construction hereinafter fully described indicating one specific embodiment of my invention, it is to be understood that my invention is not limited to said details of construction and I refer for its scope to the claims appended hereto.

ln the drawings:

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 8, 1922.

Serial No. 464,080.

Fig. l is a top plan view of the distributing mechanism.

Fig. lfl is a top plan view showing the arrangement of the mail receiving boxes.

Fig. lb is a top plan view of a detail of the distributing mechanism.

Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the portion of the device shown in F ig. l.

Fig. 3 is an end elevation partly in sectien on the line 3*?) of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a vertical section on the line ll-l of Fig. l.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of certain parts of the operative mechanism.

fig. G is a horizontal section of a portion of the selecting mechanism.

F is a vertical section on line 7-7 of Fig. 4.-.

. Fig. 8 is a horizontal section on line 8-8 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 9 is a top plan view of the distributing mechanism.

Fig. 10 is a front elevation partly in section of the portion shown in Fig. 9.

Fig. ll is a bottom plan view of a detail.

Fig. l2 is a top plan view of a detail.

Fig. 13 is a vertical transverse section of a portion of the distributing mechanism.

Fig. ist is an end elevation of a detail.

Fig. l5 is a vertical elevation of a detail.

In the particular embodiment of my intention illustrated in the drawings the device is mounted upon a suitable table T of wood or other desired material. This table T may be supported in any desired vmanner so :is to dispose the device ata suitable height for ease of operation. the operator being seated or standing. The side of the vdevice toward the operator will be referred to as the front and the terms rightl and left as applied to the device will indicate the right and left of the operator as he faces the device.

The controlling mechanism of the device is comprised in a key board K which is situated somewhat below the tableT and toward its right end.

The unassorted mailmatter is placed in the device in the receptacle A upon the table T at its extreme right end.

ldach individual piece of mail matter is fed from the receptacle A. by the selector B to the trough C where the address may be ascertained.

aportion of ifi-ease? sides of this casing L is the rock shaft B which extends through the right side L1 of the casing L and carries upon its end outside of the casing L the crank B21 which is pivotally connected` with the slide B22 held in position for vertical sliding movement against the side L1 by pins B20, B 22. This slide B22 is provided at its upper end with a right-angularly disposed extension B21 having a fork B25. Slidably supported in this fork B25 is the yoke B20 provided upon its lower and upper inner faces respectively with the racks B2T and B2S. Located between said racks is the pinion B20 mounted upon the stub-shaft B suitably journaled in the side L1 of the casing L. The yoke B2G is provided with a. rearwardly extending portion B31 connected with one end of a working beam B22 suitably pivoted upon the post B33 depending from the table T. This bea-m B32 is connected by means of links B81 and B35 with slides B3G and B37 respectively which are slidably supported in guides B3S and B30 respectively, depending from the table T. These slides B30 and B3? are provided with racks B and B11 respectively adapted to mesh with the gears BS and B18 respectively and drive said gears when said racks are reciprocated.

The stub-shaft B30 is provided with a gear B42 which meshes with a gear B43 keyed upon the end of the shaft S which extends through the casing L and is suitably journaled under the table T. This shaft S is suitably connected with a prime mover and serves to furnish power for operating the various mail forwarding mechanisms in the device.

Fixed upon the shaft B2 of the primary selector at a point between the cam B1 and the table T are two oppositely extending tingers B2@ B2. The slide B10 is provided at its forward end with an upstanding extension B30 which projects through a slot T2 in the table T.

Fixed upon the shaft B12 of the secondary selector at a point between the cam B11 and the table T are two oppositely extending tingers B12', B12. The slide B37 is provided at its forward end with an upstanding extension B01 which projects through a slot T3 in the table T.

These fingers and co-acting extensions upon the slides serve to limit the movement of the cams to a one-half revolution at each operation.

Located to the left of the secondary selector the mout-h of the trough C are the forwarding rollers C1. C2 so situated as to be adapted to take each piece of mail matter as it is presented to them by the secondary selector and forward it through the trough C. The roller C1 is journaled in the table T and driven by any suitable connection with the power shaft The roller C2 is an idler and is -journaled on a crank arm C3 pivotally mounted upon the table T and pressed by the spring C'1 so as to hold the roller C2 in yielding contact with the roller C1. The trough C is provided in its front wall with cut-away portion C5 which. a ffords a view point where the address upon each piece of mail matt-er may be ascertained. This view point is directly above and slightly to the rear of the middle of the key board K.

Located to the left of the trough C are the I D37 Ds which are suitably journaled in the' table T and upon which are mounted the gates D4, D4. Each piece of mail matter when forwarded into the trough C is restrained therein by the gates D4, D", while its address is ascertained by the operator. U pon the shafts D3, D3 between the bottom ofthe trough D and the table T are mounted the intermeshing segmental gears D57 D5. Upon the shaft D3 adjacent the roller C7 is mounted the crank arm D0. Suitably journaled in the table T immediately behind the trough C is the rock shaft C8 upon which is the crank arm C0 which has a slot C10 in which is a pin C11 upon the crank arm D0. Also mounted upon the rock shaft C2 is al crank arm C12 upon which is rotatably mounted the idler C7. The means for movinf the crank arm C9 and, through the slot and pin connection, the arm D0, and thus opening and closing the gates D1, D1, and, at the same time through the arm C12 bringing the roller C7 into and out of contact with the roller C0, will be presently described.

The means for moving the swingable trough D out of its normal position in line with trough E1, so that it shall be iu line with either trough E or is as follows:

A rock shaft DS is journaled in the table T below the trough D and upon it is fixed a crank arm D0 having a fork D10 which embraces a pin D10 upon the bottom of the trough D. Thus the rocking of the shaft DS will cause the trough D to move on its shaft D1. The shaft DB is provided at a point below the table T with two crank arms D11 and D12 which extend outwardly on opposite sides of the shaft DS. Suitably journaled in the under side of the table T are two rock shaft D12 and D1 upon which are mounted bell-crank levers D10 and CIK D111 respectively and crank arms D1T and D12 respectively. 'in the ends of the bellcranlr` levers D15 and D16 adjacent the crank arms D11 and D12 are depending pins D19. The opposite ends ofthe bell crank levers D15 and D16 are connected by a coil sprinD12. The means for moving the two cranlr arms D1T and D12 and thus, through the bell-crank levers D15 and D16, their-pins D1J and the crankarms D11 and D12, moving the trough D will be presently described.

'Loosely mounted upon the shaft 2 on top of the crank arinDD arethe return levers D20, D211 provided With crank ,arms D21, D21

`connected by a coil. spring D22. These return levers bear against a pin D22 projecting upwardly from the cranlrarin D2. The` crank arms D21, D21 bear against a pin D21 fixed in the table T adjacent the shaft D2. These return levers andcrank arms are related scissorvvise. The movement of the crank arm D9 moving the trough D, causes one of the return levers D2o to move, thus moving1 its associated crank arm D21 and `distending,` the spring D22, sincev the othercranlt armD21 is held immovable by the pin D21. When the actuating means for moving the trough D has been relieved from poiver, the pressure exerted by the spring D22 causes the ltrough D to return to normal position.

Each of the troughs E, `E1 and D2 on the channels F, F1 and. F2 is provided at its right end With a pair of forwarding` rollers F2 and F1. The rollers F2 are suitably journaled in the table T, and those on the channel F1 are driven by the power shaft S. rFliese on channel F are driven by a counter shaft G1 and those on channel F2 by a coun` ter shaft S2. These counter shafts and S2 are suitably journaled beneath the channels F and F2 respectively and are driven. by any suitable means as by sprockets S3 and chains G1 connected With the power shaft t1. The rollers `F1 are idlers and are mounted in a manner similar to the roller G2.

lhe individual dcflectors G are of substantially the same form as the master dei-lector D, only of somewhat less length,

lor cach of the deflectors G, l provide a supporting' frame G1 Which is suitably mounted in the table T. This frame G1 provides a plate G2 in which is journaled the shaft G2 upon which is mounted the deflector ln this plate IG2 is journaled the forwarding roller G1 which is suitably connected with the power shaft. Associated with this roller G1 is a spring pressed idler G5 mounted on a crank arm Gpivotally mounted on the table T. The frame G1 affords a journal G1 for a rock shaft G8 having' a crank arm G9 with a fork G10 embracing a pin G 'hired in the bottom of the deflector G. riihe shaft Gs is provided below the journal G1 with tivo crank arms G11 and G12. tluitably journaled on the under side laatse? bell-crank levers G15, G1, their pins G12 and the cranlr arms G11, G12, moving,` the dcflector G will be j ireseiiitly described.

Loosely kmounted upon thev shaft G2 on top of the crank arm G2, are the return levers G20, G provided with cranlr arms G21,

G21 connected by a coil spring- These return levers press against a pin G22 pro-l jecting` upwardly from the crank arm G1. The Icrank arms G21, G21 bear against a pin G21 fixed in the journal G1 adjacent the sh.y GS. These return levers operate i saine manner as the leversD20, D20 of t trough D already described.

l have provided locking means to retain. the defiectors G in adjusted positions. '.lhe frame G1 intermediate the plate G2 and the journal G1', is provided with tivo hangers G22, in which .is carried a roel; shaft 22 provided at one end With a latch G21 and. at the other with a crank arm G22. This latch G27 co-acts With slots G22, G22 in a plate G11y hired upon the shaft G2. fr spring` G21 actupon the roclr shaft G2G causes the latch to enter one or the other of theslots G22, when the deflector G is moved into ud- Vul position, thus locking` the deflector G iorted bolo-W the power shaft G is the shaft S5 provided with fingers tlf ,ed to co-act With'the crank j ,locking mechanism of the deflcctors G on channel F1 so thatthe oscillation of the rock shaft will cause the oscillation of the rre'lt shaft G211 of each mechanism and "ai'hd a aw the latch G27 from the notches G22 and permit the return levers to return the dellectors G to normal.

Rock shafts G1 and S2 are provided. to effect the unlocking; of the mechanisms of the deflect-ors G on the channels F and F2 respectively. The rock shaft is provided with a crunk arm tif connected by links G1, G10 with crank arms S11, G11 upon shafts S1 y and G2 to effect the rocking,A of shafts S1 and G2 by the rocking;- shaft The means for rocking shaft G1 will be presently described.

The assorted mail receptacles lll are all identical in construction and a description of one of them vvill suflice. The receptacle H is of substantially the same construction as the receptacle A already described. It is provided at its front end, adjacent the deflector G, with a deflccting plate ll1 which is adapted to guide the piece of mail matter so that it will properly enter the receptacle l-l. `Deyondthis plate H1 there is located a feeding device, comprisingy a shaft H2 and a rotatable brush l-ls mounted thereon adapted to feed a piece of mail matter delivered to it by the plate H1, into the receptacle H. The shaft H2 may be driven by any suitable means, as by a band H'1 con` nected with the power shafts S, S1 or S2.

The casing L depending from the table T and housino the operative parts which cont-rol the device is formed by the sides L1, L2, and the front L2 and back L2. The key board K is located at the front end of the casinf;r L. ln this key board K are located the twenty-one control keys arranged in three banks of seven keys in each bank. The bank at the rear of the key board K will be referred to as A bank, the one in the middle as B bank, and the one at the front as C bank. The relation of the parts is such that the keys in A, bank are adapted to control the operation of the deiiectors G located on the channel F2 at the rear of the device, and the keys on B bank control the detlectors G on the channel F1 in the middle of the device, and the keys on C bank control the deflectors G on the channel F at the front of the device.

In each bank there is located a single key known as the repeat key, the function of which will be presently explained.

As the structure and operation of all of the keys in each bank is identical, one key in each bank with its associated mechanism will be described.

All of the keys are of the well-known form of typewriter keys, and while the keys are arranged in banks the key levers are rr-y nged in one horizontal plane.

rllhe key K1. in A bank, has its key lever K2 fulcrumed upon a rod K3 passing through the casing` L and supported in the sides L1, L2. All of the key levers of the toys in A bank are thus fulcrumed upon the rod K3.

The key Kt, in B bank, has its key lever K5 fulcruined upon a rod K supported in the sides L1. L2. All the key levers of the keys in B bank are thus fulcrun'ied upon the rod KG.

rl`he key l, in C bank. has its key lever K2 fulcrumed upon a rod K2 supported in the sides L1, L2. All the key levers of the lkeys in C bank are thus fulcrumed upon the rod K2.

dournaled in thc sides L1. L2 to the rear of the rods K3, KG and K2, is the rock shaft K10, to which are fastened the crank arms K11, extending along; the sides L1, L2 and connected by the rod K12 which is directly below and contacts all of the key levers. Beneath this rod K12 and adapted to be moved by it is the crank armB20 upon the rock shaft B20 adapted te control the operation of the selector B.

TEroin the description of the foregoing details, it will be obvious that the depression of any one of the key levers when its key is struck, will cause the depression of the bar K12 and consequent rocking of the rock shaft B20 through the crank arm B20, thus operating the selector B.

The rock shaft K projects through the side L2 at the left of the casing; L and is provided upon its end with a crank arm K13 which is connected by ay link K14 with a crank arm K15 upon the rock shaft K16 which is journaled in the side L2 and a bracket K1T within the casing' L attached to its back Lt. This rock shaft K16 has a crank arm K1B which is connected by a link K1'J with the crank arm C2 for operating the gates D2, D2 of the trough D and the idler forwarding roller C7.

It will be seen that whenever the selector B is operated by the mechanism just described, the rock shaft l1 will be rocked and will impart movement through the mechanism above described to the crank arm C9 and thus cause the gates D4, Dtto open and the idler C7 to co-act with the forward.- ing roller C6 to forward a piece of mail matter from the trough C to the trough D.

Suitably mounted in the sides L1, L2 of the casing L above the rods K3, KG and K2 are the rods K2", K21 and K22. Fulcrumed upon the rod K2O are the leversK22, K23 connected at their ends by the rod lY 22 which extends across the casing` L above the key levers. ln like manner levers K25, K25 are fulcrumed upon rod K22 and connected by rod K2G.

Key lever K2 is provided with `an upstanding` hook K2T which engages the rod K2' The key levers of all of the keys in A bank are thus provided with hooks engaging` the rod K22.

Key lever KS is provided with a hook K2S which engages the rod K2G. The key .levers of all of the keys in C banks are thus provided with hooks engaging the rod K26.

Extending across the casing L and support-ed by the sides L1 land L2 above the rods K22 and K2S are the plates K22 and K30 in which is mounted the rod K21 disposed parallel to the sides L1 and L2 and at about the middle of the. plates K2, Ko. Mounted upon this rod K31 are the rock shafts K22, K33.

The rod L24 is provided with an arm K32 which is connected by a link K35 with a crank arm K3G upon the rock shaft KS2. This rock shaft KS2 has a crank arm K37 which is connected by a link KS8 with the crank D17 for opera-ting the trough D to move it into relation with the trough E2 upon the channel F2.

The rod K26 is provided with an arm K39 which is connected by a link K4o with a crank arm K41 upon the rock shaft KS3.

This rock shaft KS2 has a crank arm K42 which is connected by a link K1 with the crank arm D16 Yfor operating the trough D to move it into relation with the trough E upon the channel F.

Thus it will be seen that When any one ot the keys in A bank is struck, through the mechanism just described the trough D Will be moved into position to direct mail to channel F2. W hen any one of the keys in C bank is struck, the trough D will `be moved into position to direct mail to channel F. i

Since the keys in B bank control the detlectors Gr on channel F1, and the normal position of the trough D serves to direct mail to channel F1, it is not necessary to etlect any operation oit the trough l) when any one oi the keys in B bank is used.

Fulcrumed upon the rod K21 are the levers E21, K11 connected by the rod K11* which is situated between therods K21 and l26 and directly above all the key levers. Each ot the key levers, except those ot the repeat keys, is provided With a pivoted hook K1 which is adapted to be held in engagement with the rod K by the spring H17. rThis hook K16 has an upstanding portion K10 having a curvedcam .tace IL10 adapted to coect with a fixed rod KW carried by the sides L1, L2 above the rod K11". This rod K25 has an arm E51 which is connected by -a link E52 With a crank arm R56 upon the rock shaft S5 for operating the mea-ns for unlocking the operating mechanism ot the detlectors Gr.

Since each of the key levers for operating the detlectors G has means above described for rocking shaft S5, it Will be seen that Whenever any one "of the keys is struck any one ot the delectors G 'which has been previously moved into delivery position Vand locked therein, will be unlocked and permitted to resume its normal position.

Each one of the key levers for operating the deilectors Gr is provided upon upper edge at a point immediately behind the iront L3 oit the casing L, with tivo hooks L5 and L6. Above these hooks the casing L is provided With a slidable plate L7 carried in guides L6, L2 attached to the sides L1, L2. Pivotn ally connected with this plate L7 are crank arms L0, L9 upon a rock shalt L10 journaled in the sides L1, L2, which is provided With a crank arm L11 to the endv ot which is attached the shift key L12 upon the key board li.

The plate L7A is provided With a double series of holes L13 and L11 and for each kev lever there are provided two links L15,v

L16, links L15 being carried by the plate L7 in the holes L13, and links L16 in holes L11. rlhe parts are so related that when the plate L7 is in normal position it holds the links L15 so that the hooks L15 upon their lower ends are engaged by the hooks L5 upon the key levers, and at trie same time the links L16 are so held that the hooks L16 upon their lower ends are out oit engagement with the hooks L6 upon the key levers.

-When the shitt'key L12 is depressed, the plate L7 is moved `forward and the hooks L15 are disengaged :trom the hooks L5, While the hooks L16 are engaged with .the hooks L5.

Finita-bly journaled in the plates R26 and X20 are three series ot hollen7 rock shafts L17, L15 and L12, upon the :tront ends of which are the crank arms L20, L21 and L22 respectively. `The links L15 adapted to engage the hooks L6 of the key levers of the keys in A bank are connected wth the crank arms L26. rllhe links L15 adapted to engage the hooks L5 of the key levers ot the keys in B bank are connected with the crank arms L21, and the remaining links L15 are con nected with crank arms L22.

Upon the rear ends oi the shafts L17, L16 and L12 there are provided crank arms L26, L21, and L25 respectively. The crank arms L22 are connected by means of pull Wires L2G AWith the crank arms G17 oi2 the deiiectors Gr upon the channel F27 rlhe crank arms L2'1 are connected by means of pull wires L27 with the crank arms G17 oit the deflectcrs Gr upon the channel F1. rlhe crank a "ms L25 are connected by means of pull Wires L23 with the crank arms G17 ot' the de'llectors Uf upon the channel F.

Journaled inside the hollorv rock shafts L17. L16 and li16respectively are rock sha-tts L20, L00 and L21 upon the, front ends ot Which are the crank arms L02, L33 and L31, respectively. rlhe links L16 adaptedto engage the hooks L6 of the key levers of the keys in il bank are connected with the crank arms L62. The links L16 adapted to eng` gc the hooks L0 oit the key levers ot the keys in B bank are connected with the crank arms L12, and the remaining; links L16 are connected With crank arms L64.

Upon the rear ends of the rock shaft-s L20, L00 and L31 there are provided crank arms L55, L26 and L27 respectively. rlhe crank arms L05 are connected by means ot pull wires L72 with the crank arms (i12 oi' the defiectors (l upon the channel F2. '.lhe crank arms 'L66 are connected by means ol pull wires L59 with the crank arms G15 of the detiectors G upon the channel F1. rlhe crank arms L27 are connected by means ol pull Wires L10 with the crank arms G15 of the dellectors (i upon the channel lt Will be seen that each key is Vadapted to control a deflector G and turn it to direct mail into either receptacle H with which it is associated. lf the parts are in normal position, the key will operate to move its deiiector G to direct mail into the receptacle Ll toward the rear side of the channel. But

if the shitt key is depressed.r the delector operating key when struck will operate to move the detiector G to direct mail into the receptacle H toward the front side of the channel.

The repeat key which is placed in each bank of the key board K is for use when it is desired to send successively two or more pieces of mail matter to the same receptacle H. The parts of the device having been adjusted for delivery of the first piece to the particular receptacle, it is only required to operate the selector B, trough D (if for channel F or F2), and gates D", D* and idler CT, to forward the successive pieces to the same destination. Thus the repeat key L41 in A bank is adapted to depress bar l 12 and thus operate the selector B and gates Dt, D4 and roller CT, and it also has a hook K2? -to actuate the trough D to direct the piece of mail to channel F2, since it is to send the piece of mail matter to a receptacle H controlled by a key upon A bank. The repeat kev lf2 in B bank has only to operate the selector B, gates Dt. D4 and roller C7. The repeat key L43 in C bank is similar to key L except that it is adapted to operate the trough D to direct mail to channel F.

The distributor operates as follows:

nassorted mail having been faced is placed in the receptacle A and power is applied to the device through the shaft S. rllhe operator depresses any one of the keys on the keyboard K which causes the initial selector to draw a single letter from the pack in Ythe receptacle A. When the key is released` the secondary selector forwards the letter to the trough C where it comes to rest against the roller C6 when its front end rests against the closed gates D". The operator determines the box H into which the letter should be delivered after reading the address. ltle depressies the key which adjusts the individual deflector (l which will deliver the letter into the desired box, and the depression of this key also adjusts the master detlector l) in relation to the proper mail foiwvardin; Y means to convey the let-ter to the proper dellector (r. The depression of the key also causes the roller (ll to press the letter against the roller C and opens the gates l, The letter is forwarded by the rollers C, CT and j sing` through the. master deflector D proceeds on one of the ways F, F1 or l. being' forwarded by the rollers between the troughs l). and is forwarded through the deflectors G until it reaches the deflector G which has been adjusted, by which it is delivered into the receptacle ,H associated therewith.

The depression and release of the key which has forwarded the letter, as just described., also effects the delivery of the next letter to the trough C ready for forwarding 'e its appointed box H.

Having described my invention; what l claim is:

l. In a mail distributor, the combination of a receptacle adapted to receive unassorted mail; a rotatable cam adapted to remove a single piece of mail from said receptacle; a second rotatable cam adapted to forward the piece of mail so removed; means adapted to rotate said cams alternately; a key adapted to be depressed; and means operated by the depression of said key adapted to control said rotating means.

2. In a mail distributor, the combination of a receptacle adapted to receive unassorted mail; a rotatable cam adapted to remove a single piece of mail from said receptacle; a second rotatable cam adapted to forward the piece of mail so removed; a power shaft; a pinion adapted to be rotated by said shaft; a yoke adapted to be reciprocated by said pinion; tvvo racks adapted te be reciprocated by the reciprocation of said yoke; a gear-and-ratchet connection between each of said racks and the corresponding one of said cams adaptedto rotate said cam when said rack is reciprocated; a key adapted to be depressed; and means operated by the depression of said key adapted to cause the pinion to reciprocate the yoke. l

3. In a mail distributor, the combination of a receptacle adapted to receive unassorted mail; a trough adapt-ed to receive a single piece of mail and display the address thereon; a rotatable cam adapted to remove a single piece of mail from said receptacle; a second rotatable cam adapted to forward said piece of mail to said trough; and means adapted to alternately actuate said cams.

el. In a mail distributor; the combination of an unassorted mail receptacle; a plurality of assorted mail receptacles arranged in series; independent mail forwarding means associated with each series; a trough adapted to receive a piece of mail from said unassorted mail receptacle and deliver same to any one of said mail forwarding means and a plurality of keys arranged in series, the keys in each series being adapted to adjust said trougl'i to deliver a piece of mail to the corresponding one of said forwarding means.

5. ln a mail distrilnitor, the combination of an unassorted mail receptacle; a plurality of assorted mail receptacles arranged in series; independent mail forwarding means associated with each series; .a svvingable trough adapted to receive a piece of mail from said unassorted mail receptacle andv deliver same to any one of said mail forwarding means; a plurality of keys arranged in series correspondingwith the receptacle series, each key in each series being adapted to adjust said trough to deliver a piece of mail to the mail forwarding means i, ociatcd with the series of receptacles coriesponiling with its hey series.

ln a mail distriluitor, the combination of a receptacle adapted tov receive unassorted mail; a plurality of receijitaelcs adapted to receive assorted inail, said receptacles being` arranged in a plurality of series and the receptacles in cach scies being` Aarrairaed iii pairs; a defleotor associated with each pair of receptacles adapted to deliver a piece o f inail into either receptacle; means associ-- ate-1l with each series of receptacles adapted te :forward a piece of mail to each detlector; and means adapted t receive a single piece of mail from said unassorted inail receptacle and deliver same to any one of said inail forwarding means. i

'i'. ln a inail distributor, the combination of a plurality of receptacles adapted to receive sorted mail, said receptacles beingi arranged in plurality of series and the receptacles in `each series being arranged in pairs; a detlector associated with each pair adapted to deliver mail to either receptacle; a series of forwarding rollers associated with each series of assorted mail receptacles; trough adapted to deliver' mail to any one of said series oitlrollers; and a plurality of keys arranged in series corresponding; with the receptacle series, each liey in each series being adapted to adjust said trough to deliver a piece of mail to the series of rollers associated with the recepA tacle series corresponding with its lrey series, and also adapted to adjust a derlector associated with one pair of assorted mail receptacles in its. corresponding receptacle series to deliver the piece of mail into one of the associated receptacles.

d. ln a mail distributor, the combination of a plurality of receptacles adapted to receive sorted mail; said receptacles beingai.'- rane'ed in a plurality of series and the recept-:telles in each series being arranged inv pairs; a defleetor associated With each pair adapted to deliver mail to either receptacle; series of foi-ivarding` rollers associated with each series of assorted mail receptacles; a trough adapted to deliver mail to anyone ol ysaid series of rollers; an unassorted mail. receptacle; tuo rotatable cams, one of which adapted to remove a single piece ol mail from. said unassorted inail. receptacle; and the other adapted to forward said piece; and a pair of forward ing' rollers adapted to deliver said forwarded piece to said tii'ougrh. i

9. ln a inail distributor; the combination of a plurality of receptacles adapted to receive sorted mail.; said receptacles being arranged in a plurality of series and the receptacles in each series being; arranged in pairs ;y

a dellector associated With each pair adapted to deliver inail to either receptacle; a series of forwarding rollers associated with each series of assorted mail receptacles; a trough adapted to deliver mailto any one of said series of rollers;ian unassorted mail receptacle; tivo rotatable cams, one of Which is ailapted to remove a single piece of mail from said unassorted mail receptacle, and the other adapted to forward said piece; tivo forivarding rollers adapted to deliver said forwarded piece te said trough; and ineens adapted to control the operation of said cams, trough and mail delivery receptacles. i

l0. ln a inail distributoigthe combination of an unassorted mail receptacle; two calins adapted to remove a single piece of mail i from said receptacle; a power shaft adapted to alternately actuate said cams; a plurality of assorted mail receptacles arranged in a plurality of series, the receptacles in each series being;- arranged in pairs; a deflector associated with each of said pairs and adapted te deflect mail delivered to it into either receptacle; a master deflector common to all the series of receptacles and adapted to deflect inail to any of the detlectors; a plurality of lreys arranged in a plurality of banks; and a key lever associatedwvith each key adapted to control the actuation of the cains by the power shaft, and secure the proper adjustment of the master deliector and one of tlieindividuai deilectors.

ll. ln a mail distributor; the combination of a plurality of assorted inail receptacles arranged in pairs; a sivinggable trough asso ci'ated with each pair adapted to deliver mail into either receptacle of the pair; means adapted tosiving each trough into ielatii'in with either of its associated recepicles; means adapted to lock said troughs adjusted position; means adapted to unook said locking; means; and means adapted lo return said troughs to normal position.

l2. ln a mail distributor, the combination of a plurality of assorted mail receptacles arranged in pairs; a swingrable trough associated with each pair adapted to deliver mail into either receptacle of the pair;-

nieaiis adapted to swing` each trough into relation ivith either of its associated receptacles; means adapted to lock said troughsV in adjusted position; means adapted to unlock said locking means; means adapted to return said troughs to normal position; and means adapted to operate said swingingf means; lockingmeans; unlocking1 means and ret-urn means.

13. ln a mail distributor; the combination of plurality of assorted mail receptacles arranged in pairs; a sivingable trough associated with each pair adapted to deliver mail into either receptacle `of the pair;

means adapted to swing each trough into relation with either of its associated receptacles; means adapted to lock said troughs in adjusted position; means adapted to unlock said locking means; means adapted to return said troughs to normal position; and a depressible key corresponding to each trough adapted at each depression to operate the swinging means and locking means of its trough and the unlocking means of all the troughs and render operative the return means of any trough in adjusted position.

14. In a mail distributor, the combination of a plurality of assorted mail receptacles arranged in sets, the receptacles of each set being arranged in pairs; a swingable trough associated with each pair of receptacles and adapted to deflect mail into either receptacle of the pair; a plurality of keys arranged in sets corresponding with the sets of receptacles; a key lever connected with each key adapted to swing one of said troughs; and a shift key adapted to determine 'the direction of movement of each trough by each key lever.

15. In a mail distributor, the combination of a key; a key lever adapted to be depressed when said key is struck; two rock shafts; a crank arm mounted on each shaft; two links adapted to alternatively connect said key lever with said arms to rock said shafts; two assorted mail receptacles; a swingable trough adapted to deliver mail to either receptacle; and ineans adapted to swing the trough in relation to one receptacle when one rock shaft is rocked, and into relation with the other receptacle when the other rock shaft is rocked.

16. In a mail distributor, the combination of a plurality of keys arranged in sets; a plurality of key levers, each key lever being adapted to be depressed when its associated key is struck; two rock shafts located above each of said key levers; the pairs of shafts being arranged in sets corresponding with the sets of keys; means actuated by the depression of the key levers adapted to alternatively rock said rock shafts; a pluralityof swingable troughs arranged in sets corresponding with the sets of keys and rock shafts; and means connecting each pair of rock shafts with one of said troughs adapted to swing said trough by the rocking of said shafts.

17. In a mail distributor, the combination of a plurality of keys; a plurality of key levers each of which is adapted to be depressed when its associated key is struck and provided with two hooks; two rock shafts located above each key lever; a crank arm on each of said shafts; a link on each crank arm provided with a hook; a slidable plate provided with holes through which said links pass, said plate being adapted when in normal position to hold the hooks of one setof links in engagement with one set of hooks upon said key levers, and when moved out of normal position to' hold the hooks of the other set of links in engagement with the other set of hooks upon said key levers; and means for moving said plate.

.In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

GEORGE M. KITZMILLER. 

